WORCESTER, MA (May 10, 2000) -- Standard Electric of Wilmington, Mass., one of the country’s largest independent electrical distributors, has expanded into the Central Massachusetts market with its acquisition of Keystone Lighting & Electric in Worcester.

The 18,000 square-foot facility located at 221 Chandler Street will continue to operate both as a retail lighting showroom and as a distribution center of electrical supplies for the contractor, builder and commercial markets. Keystone’s former owners will continue to run the day-to-day operations of the Worcester facility.

Keystone was founded by Kazar Kazarian in 1958 in a storefront location on Park Avenue. The company moved to its current Chandler Street location in 1975. In 1986, Kazarian passed the thriving business onto his son Richard, who had worked in the company’s electrical supply division for many years.

"Having the Keystone team join our organization is a great opportunity for all involved," said Dennis Miller, president of Standard Electric. "We look forward to building on the Keystone’s excellent reputation for service in central Massachusetts."

Standard Electric was founded in Waltham, MA in 1952. The company now has over 300 employees, seven locations in New England, additional sales offices in California and Atlanta, and two lighting showrooms under the name Wolfer’s Lighting.

For more company information about Standard Electric, call Kurt Schaefer at (978) 988-3115 or visit the company’s web site at www.standardelectric.com.